ServSafe® Food Manager Class & Exam in Florida

Food Manager Certification (ServSafe® is one example) is a nationally recognized credential that shows a manager’s knowledge of food safety practices, including:

• Preventing foodborne illness
• Proper food handling and storage
• Cleaning and sanitizing procedures
• Employee health and hygiene

In Florida, most food operations must have at least one certified food manager on staff, present whenever food is being handled.

Yes. Florida law and the FDA Model Food Code, which Florida has adopted, require that:

• Each food service establishment has at least one Person in Charge (PIC)
• The PIC is a Certified Food Protection Manager, certified through an ANSI-accredited program such as ServSafe®
• The PIC is present whenever food is being handled
• The PIC can show the local health authority the required knowledge

• Restaurants and food service establishments, including cafés, diners, bars and lounges serving cooked or prepared food
• Mobile food units and caterers, including food trucks
• Retail food stores: supermarkets, grocery stores, bakeries, coffee shops, convenience stores, and seafood and meat markets
• Institutions: school cafeterias, nursing homes, assisted living facilities and corrections facilities
• Concession stands and hotel/motel food service

No, they are two separate programs for different employees.

Food Manager certification is for those who manage food operations: chefs, sous chefs, managers, directors and so on. Many operations also certify others, such as line cooks, at this level.

Food Handler training is required in Florida for everyone else who works with exposed food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, or unwrapped single-service items.

• Time and temperature control (TCS foods)
• Cross-contamination prevention
• Cleaning and sanitizing
• HACCP principles
• Foodborne illness prevention
• Common food allergies

• Register for an in-person class on this page or by calling 888-372-3232
• Download the study guide, read it before class, and take the practice test
• Attend the five-hour training session
• Take the ServSafe® exam
• Get your certificate online, typically within 10 days

The ServSafe® Food Protection Manager exam is a nationally recognized test of your food safety knowledge. ServSafe® is a proprietary program owned and administered by the National Restaurant Association.

• The exam has 90 questions, 10 of which are unscored pilot questions. A passing score of 70% or higher, at least 56 of 80 correct, is required for a certificate.
• The time limit is 2 hours; most people finish in under one-and-one-quarter hours.

The exam is ANSI ANAB certified and accepted nationwide.

The National Restaurant Association sets a five-year standard, which Florida accepts. Local, county, municipal or employer rules can differ, so check with your local regulatory authority.

A public class and exam is $168 per student, including the downloadable study materials, the five-hour class and the proctored exam. Private classes at your location are $160 per student plus an instructor fee.

No, but we highly recommend it. A structured class:

• Has been shown to improve pass rates
• Covers the key test topics
• Gives real-world food safety examples

Our classes are designed to help you pass on the first attempt.

No. While there are many online options available, at FSA Training, we believe that live training by a seasoned hospitality professional with real world experience offers the greatest chance for success.

Yes. A private class lets the discussion center on your operation, policies and practices. Request a quote or call 888-372-3232.

If you don’t pass, you can arrange with our office to attend another class and retest for $79. You can take the test twice within a 30-day period, then you must wait 60 days to take it again. You are allowed 4 attempts in a year.

We are nearing our 20th year as a leading ServSafe® resource in Florida. Our professional instructors are food safety subject matter experts and experienced hospitality professionals.

• Experienced, industry-focused instructors
• Flexible scheduling, including weekends
• High pass rates
• Group training options available
• Fast and easy certification process

A government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, state ID or passport): you’ll need it to take the exam. Also bring a sweater (meeting rooms run cool), and snacks and water, since there’s no lunch break.

Please call our office at 888-372-3232 before you register so we can talk through your needs.

• Choose a class above. Use your ZIP code to find the nearest one
• Download and read the study guide and complete the practice test
• Attend the in-person class on your scheduled date and take the exam